13 Sep 2012

Jiggling Atoms

From quarks to quasars; 24 artists explore the world of atoms, galaxies and particle detectors.

Jiggling Atoms is an interdisciplinary science and illustration
project exploring the wonders of particle physics. It will culminate in a
unique exhibition at the Rag Factory, in London’s East End, on October
1st – 7th. Supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council
and the Institute of Physics, 24 artists illustrate the world as seen
through the eyes of a scientist. By mixing knitting and black holes,
paint and giant particle-detectors, the atomic space collides with the
gallery space!

The unique spirit of Jiggling Atoms is based on the collaboration
between the artists and research physicists Malte Oppermann (Imperial
College London) and Dr. Ben Still (Queen Mary University). Inspired by
Nobel-laureate Richard Feynman and his wonderful ability to teach
physics to non-scientists, teaching was the starting point of the
project. All artists attended a series of lectures and tutorials at
Imperial College London, written especially for the project by Malte
Oppermann and Jennifer Crouch, with a final lecture by Dr. Ben Still.
Exploring a range of topics in particle physics in such depth, the
artists were prepared to have their own take on the subject. Fusing art
with science, they created games, images, sculptures, comics and
infographics for the Jiggling Atoms exhibition event.

It will host the talents of recent graduates as well as established
artists, including Sister Arrow, Zeel, Stephen Fowler, Katie Scott,
Peter Nencini, Grace Helmer, Jimmy Patrick, Elizabeth Towndrow, Jack
Hughes, Bryony Quinn, Peter Rhodes, Rosie Eveleigh and many more.
With such diverse creative input the exhibition will provide a truly
unique visual experience, enabling visitors to be amazed by the forces
that make atoms jiggle!

Jiggling Atoms runs for one week from 1st October, with a private
view on Thursday 4th October featuring music, topical talks and drinks.
The weekend events (October 6th-7th) boast a fascinating program of
activities, including artistic workshops, public lectures and debates –
expect to see the likes of Super/Collider, Patrick Stevenson Keating,
Mark Pilkington, Adrian Holme, John Butterworth and Radmila Topolovic.

Jiggling Atoms was conceived by Natalie Kay-Thatcher and is
co-curated and organised by Rosie Eveleigh, Malte Oppermann, Dr. Ben
Still and Jennifer Crouch. With support from the Science and Technology
Facilities Council and The Institute of Physics Public Engagement Grant,
Jiggling Atoms seeks to increase the presence of science in the visual
arts, opening a channel of science-oriented communication rarely used in
this context or with this intensity.

For more information and a press pack please email: info@jigglingatoms.org.